For an ordinary forklift, rough terrain can be a challenge, so you may find you need a specialist. You need to look for a company that can supply you with a forklift that meets all your off-road specifications and can withstand the daily abuse that comes with working the field. Do a little bit of research to get the right forklift that will last for many years without costing you a lot to maintain.

When shopping for rough terrain lift trucks, you should learn a little bit about the industry so that you'll know where to look for a vehicle. You will find some dealers that specialize in one specific type of forklift supply:

1. Rough terrain forklift manufacturers

2. Rough terrain forklift distributors

3. Used rough terrain forklift sales

4. Rough terrain forklift parts

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare specs on several models of rough terrain industrial forklifts

When you look at different forklift models, there are a few details that you should pay special attention to. These include: lift capacity, mast height range, type of engine and engine capacity, horsepower, type of transmission, whether it has two- or four-wheel drive and the standard carriage. Compare the different models side by side to get an idea of what each feature costs and how common it is on rough terrain forklifts.

I recommend: Compare different models of rough terrain forklifts for sale online before you visit a showroom. Fork Lift City and Master Craft both have comprehensive sites that allow you to look at different models next to one another to see what each one has to offer.

Save money by finding a used rough terrain forklift for sale

Rough terrain forklifts are an investment, and for many small businesses, a brand-new model just isn't in the budget. You can save quite a bit of money by looking for a used forklift. Many companies recondition old ones, so you can feel certain that you're getting a vehicle that has plenty of work left in it with a much smaller price tag.

I recommend: Shop around for a good price on used rough terrain forklifts. Russell Equipment Company specializes in used forklifts, and Whayne Equipment has a used equipment department. Their inventory can change daily, so if you don't see something that you like right away, it may be there in a few days.

Consider renting a rough terrain forklift until you know what you need

If your budget is really tight, you might consider renting a forklift for a while. You can pay for the forklift by the job and not have to worry about maintenance or upkeep. Make sure to find out about insurance before renting, and see if you can get a cheaper rate if you rent it for a week or a month as opposed to a few hours.

I recommend: Consider renting as an alternative or a prelude to buying. NES Rentals specializes in renting out rough terrain vehicles to small business owners in need. WEB Equipment also rents out rough terrain forklifts. After a period of renting, you'll know exactly what features you want-- and don't want-- in a forklift.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of where you buy your forklift, it's important to get rough terrain forklift training for any employee who plans on operating the machinery.